Friday, April 30, 2021

General Attorney/IMD Embedded AGC (FLU) Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

Office of the General Counsel
Attorney
Winchester, VA 22602
United States
OGC_IMD_FLU_2021
About the Office: 

Freedom of Information Act Litigation Unit (FLU) attorneys serve as agency counsel in defending the FBI in FOIA lawsuits seeking records of FBI's operations and activities, to include its efforts to fight terrorism, conduct counter-intelligence activities, combat public corruption, protect civil liberties, and prosecute a full spectrum of criminal activities. FLU defends the work of the FBI's Record/Information Dissemination Section (RIDS) of the Information Management Division (IMD), which is the FBI's FOIA program. FLU attorneys are subject matter experts regarding public access to FBI records and information, and provide legal and policy guidance to RIDS, IMD, and other agency officials on an array of issues related to records/information access and management. This position is embedded within IMD to provide legal advice on an increasing array of legal topics arising as the division transforms its business model for managing information within the FBI. The person selected for this position must possess knowledge of information and records access and management; sound judgment; exceptional communication and interpersonal skills; and a demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with senior leaders and managers in achieving mission objectives.

Our Mission

To protect and defend the United States against terrorist and foreign intelligence threats, to uphold and enforce the criminal laws of the United States, and to provide leadership and criminal justice services to federal, state, municipal, and international agencies and partners.

Public Service is a public trust. For the FBI, this means that the public has committed to our care the safety of our Nation and the defense of our Constitution. To sustain that trust and to meet our resulting obligations, we must adhere strictly to our core values of: Rigorous obedience to the Constitution, Respect, Compassion, Fairness, Integrity, Accountability, and Leadership.

Our office places a high value on diversity of experiences and perspectives and encourages applications from all qualified individuals from all ethnic and racial backgrounds, veterans, LGBT individuals, and persons with disabilities.
Job Description: 

Major Duties

GS-14:

· Provide legal advice to all levels of IMD management on a variety subjects, activities, and functions concerning information and records management and access, including inter alia:

o Requests for access under the Freedom of Information Act and Privacy Act;

o Enterprise Information Management Strategy (EIM);

o Expansion of FBI information management services to state/local and federal partners;

o Prepublication reviews;

o Record disposition decisions and transition from paper to digital records;

o Developing an enterprise-wide solution for record processing; and

o Use of Robotic Process Automation (RPA).

· Draft and review IMD and FBI-wide information and records management policies. Identify, review, and mitigate IMD legal risks.

· Identify and coordinate with other units within the Office of the General Counsel (OGC) on other legal issues impacting IMD that fall within the area of expertise and responsibility of those units.

· Assist with FOIA litigation cases as needed.

GS-15: In addition to the above duties:

· Provide expert legal advice and guidance to the highest levels of FBI management on all aspects of information and records management and access.

· Provide expert legal guidance and representation in any assigned FOIA litigation cases.

The ideal candidate will possess five years of substantive experience providing legal advice on information and records access and management, including FOIA. Experience as agency counsel on lawsuits brought under the FOIA is beneficial.

Qualifications: 

Key Requirements:

• Must be a U.S. citizen

• Must be able to obtain a Top-Secret/SCI clearance

• Selectee will be required to complete form FD-887, Request for Access to Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI)

• Selectee will be required to complete a Confidential Financial Disclosure Report, OGE-450 annually.

Please be advised that candidates that are selected for this position must be approved by the Department of Justice.

Please make sure your experience/requirement(s) can be identified in your resume. Your resume and supporting documentation will be used to determine whether you meet the job qualifications listed in this announcement. Applicants must meet the qualification requirements at the time of application. Candidates deemed most competitive will be sent to the hiring official for employment consideration.

All applicants will be rated on the following Competencies:

• Governance and Legal Jurisprudence

• Analytical Thinking

• Communication

BASIC REQUIREMENT: All applicants must possess a law degree from a law school accredited by the American Bar Association and be an active member of the bar (any US jurisdiction).

Positive Education Requirement: This position has a specific education requirement; all applicants must verify completion of this basic requirement by submitting both proof of JD degree and proof of good standing with a bar within a US jurisdiction. Please see the “Required Documents” section of this announcement for additional information.

Education: Applicant must possess a J.D. degree from a law school accredited by the American Bar Association (or have a LLM degree or other graduate law school degree in addition to a J.D.) and be an active member of the bar (any US jurisdiction).

GS-14: Applicants applying for a GS-14 position must have 2.5 or more years post J.D. attorney experience.

GS-15: Applicants applying for a GS-15 position must have 4 or more years of post J.D. attorney experience.

Salary: 
GS-14: $121,530 - $159,286; GS-15: $144,128 - $172,500
Travel: 
Some travel is required
Application Process: 

To apply for this position, you must provide a complete application package which includes the following REQUIRED documents:

1. Your resume and cover letter;

2. A writing sample, not to exceed 10 pages;

3. Proof of current and active bar association membership;

4. Photocopy of Law School Transcripts;

5. Current SF-50 (if external government employee).

Please Note: FBI employees currently assigned to a General Attorney position do not need to provide Law School Transcripts or Proof of Bar Association Membership.

Step 1 - Create a new email and attach all required electronic documents. Include contact information (phone number) and a brief introduction (2-3 sentences) in the body of the email.

Step 2 - Title the subject of the email using the following format, indicating whether you are an internal or external candidate. Example: OGC_IMD_FLU_2021_External/Internal

Step 3 - Submit the completed application email to OGC-JOBS@fbi.gov.

What to Expect Next

Once your complete application is received, we will conduct an evaluation of your qualifications. The Most Competitive candidates will be referred to the hiring manager for further consideration and possible interview. Interviews will be conducted on a rolling basis. You will be notified of your status throughout the process.

Internal Applicants Additional Information

• Management may select at any grade for which this position is announced.

• Identification of promotion potential in this announcement does not constitute a commitment or an obligation on the part of management to promote the employee selected at some future date. Promotion will depend upon administrative approval and the continuing need for an actual assignment and performance of higher-level duties.

• Probationary employees are precluded from being considered for all job opportunities until 12months of their 24-month probationary period has concluded. Probationary employees may be considered for competitive vacancies that are advertised within their respective division or field office after serving 90 days within the FBI.

• Candidates will not be considered if currently on a Performance Improvement Plan (PIP); a Letter of Requirement (LOR); or have failed a PIP or LOR and are currently awaiting the final action by HRD.

1. A Performance Improvement Plan (PIP) is a 90-day written developmental plan for an employee whose performance on one or more critical elements is rated “Unacceptable.”

2. A Letter of Requirement (LOR) is issued when a supervisor identified leave abuse and/or when frequent absences negatively impact operations of the office.

• Limited Movement: Policy has been implemented wherein support employees entering a position through competitive OR non-competitive action may be precluded from moving to another position within the Bureau by means of reassignment or change to lower grade for a minimum of 12 months.

• Relocation expenses will be borne by the selectee, except FBI employees returning from LEGAT assignment. Employees returning from LEGAT assignments must advise the Staffing Unit, Administrative Unit, and the International Operations Unit of their application to apply.

• On December 22, 2017, the President signed into law the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. This law may impact your transfer.

o This legislation made previously non-taxed moving expenses reimbursements taxable as of January 1, 2018. Please see HR Link for the list of FBI's current understanding of the applicable tax changes. However, this may change upon receipt of official guidance from GSA and DOJ.

o Current law provides the FBI with the authority to compensate employees for much of the tax burden caused by a transfer through the Relocation Income Tax Allowance (RITA) process, in an effort to identify way to minimize the additional tax burden on transferring employees.

• Candidates receiving a transfer of physical location, whether at the expense of the FBI or not, will be required to complete a one-year commitment to the assignment, prior to moving to a new position at the FBI. The 12-month waiting period begins the day an employee reports for duty at the new location.

• Employees selected for positions at the GS-14 level or higher, as well as employees selected for positions where a transfer of location is required, will be processed through the name check program prior to being notified of their selection.

• Memorandum of Understanding: Work performed outside assigned duties (that would not normally be documented on a SF-50, i.e., back-up duties), has to be documented in detail by an immediate supervisor in order to receive full credit for amount of time worked in that position. If no documentation is furnished, no credit will be given for the time worked in that position. The following notations must be specified in the documentation (Memorandum of Understanding):

o Percent of time worked in the particular position (cannot conflict with main duties)

o The month/year work began

o Frequency worked (i.e., daily, monthly, etc.)

o Specific duties performed

Attach the Memorandum of Understanding to your application in the “Cover Letters and Attachments” section of My Career Tools on the Careers Home page. Please upload the attachment as type “Other.”

External Applicants Additional Information

• The FBI is in the Executive Branch if the federal government. It is one of the components of the Department of Justice (DOJ). The FBI is the principle investigative arm of the DOJ. All FBI positions are in the excepted service.

• Applicants must be a U.S. citizen and consent to a complete background investigation, urinalysis, and polygraph. You must be suitable for Federal employment, as determined by a background investigation.

• Failure to provide necessary and relevant information required by this vacancy announcement may disqualify you from consideration. Additional information will not be requested if your application is incomplete. Your application will be evaluated solely on the basis of information you have submitted.

• Management may select any grade for which this position is announced.

• Identification of promotion potential in this announcement does not constitute a commitment or an obligation on the part of management to promote the employee selected at some future date. Promotion will depend upon administrative approval and the continuing need for an actual assignment and performance of higher-level duties.

• If you are hired, you will be required to serve a two-year probationary period. Probationary employees are precluded from being considered for all job opportunities until 12-months of their 24-month probationary period has concluded. Probationary Employees may be considered for competitive vacancies that are advertised within their respective division or field office after serving 90 days within the FBI. The probationary periods will be served concurrently.

Memorandum of Understanding: Work performed outside assigned duties (that would not normally be documented on a SF-50, i.e., back-up duties), has to be documented in detail by an immediate supervisor in order to receive full credit for amount of time worked in that position. If no documentation is furnished, no credit will be given for the time worked in that position. The following notations must be specified in the documentation (Memorandum of Understanding):

o Percent of time worked in the particular position (cannot conflict with main duties)

o The month/year work began

o Frequency worked (i.e., daily, monthly, etc.)

o Specific duties performed

Veterans Preference

If you are entitled to Veterans' Preference, you should indicate the type of veterans' preference you are claiming on your resume and application. Your veterans' preference entitlement will be verified by the employing agency.

Nepotism

Nepotism is the act of favoring relatives in the hiring process and is prohibited by law. Public officials are prohibited from hiring or promoting relatives or relatives of officials in their chain of command, as well as actively or indirectly endorse a relative's appointment of promotion.

Reasonable Accommodation Request

The FBI provides reasonable accommodations to qualified applicants with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of your application and/or hiring process, please notify the Office of Equal Employment Opportunity Affairs (OEEOA) Reasonable Accommodation (RA) Program by either email at REASONABLE_ACCOMMODATION@fbi.gov, telephone at (202) 324-4128, or FAX at (202) 324-3976. Your request will receive an individualized assessment.

Benefits

The FBI offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes, in part, paid vacation; sick leave; holidays; telework; life insurance; health benefits; and participation in the Federal Employees Retirement System. This link provides an overview of the benefits currently offered to Federal employees: http://www.opm.gov/insure/new_employ/index.asp

Applicants should familiarize themselves and comply with the relevant rules of professional conduct regarding any possible conflicts of interest in connection with their applications. In particular, please notify this Office if you currently represent clients or adjudicate matters in which this Office is involved and/or you have a family member who is representing clients or adjudicating matters in which this Office is involved so that we can evaluate any potential conflict of interest or disqualification issue that may need to be addressed under those circumstances.

Application Deadline: 
Thursday, June 3, 2021
Number of Positions: 
1
Updated April 30, 2021

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Department Policies

Equal Employment Opportunity:  The U.S. Department of Justice is an Equal Opportunity/Reasonable Accommodation Employer.  Except where otherwise provided by law, there will be no discrimination because of color, race, religion, national origin, political affiliation, marital status, disability (physical or mental), age, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, protected genetic information, pregnancy, status as a parent, or any other nonmerit-based factor.  The Department of Justice welcomes and encourages applications from persons with physical and mental disabilities. The Department is firmly committed to satisfying its affirmative obligations under the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, to ensure that persons with disabilities have every opportunity to be hired and advanced on the basis of merit within the Department of Justice. For more information, please review our full EEO Statement.

Reasonable Accommodations:  This agency provides reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities where appropriate. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, please notify the agency.  Determinations on requests for reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis.

Outreach and Recruitment for Qualified Applicants with Disabilities:  The Department encourages qualified applicants with disabilities, including individuals with targeted/severe disabilities to apply in response to posted vacancy announcements.  Qualified applicants with targeted/severe disabilities may be eligible for direct hire, non-competitive appointment under Schedule A (5 C.F.R. § 213.3102(u)) hiring authority.  Individuals with disabilities are encouraged to contact one of the Department’s Disability Points of Contact (DPOC) to express an interest in being considered for a position. See list of DPOCs.   

Suitability and Citizenship:  It is the policy of the Department to achieve a drug-free workplace and persons selected for employment will be required to pass a drug test which screens for illegal drug use prior to final appointment.  Employment is also contingent upon the completion and satisfactory adjudication of a background investigation. Congress generally prohibits agencies from employing non-citizens within the United States, except for a few narrow exceptions as set forth in the annual Appropriations Act (see, https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/working-in-government/non-citizens/). Pursuant to DOJ component policies, only U.S. citizens are eligible for employment with the Executive Office for Immigration Review, U.S. Trustee’s Offices, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Unless otherwise indicated in a particular job advertisement, qualifying non-U.S. citizens meeting immigration and appropriations law criteria may apply for employment with other DOJ organizations. However, please be advised that the appointment of non-U.S. citizens is extremely rare; such appointments would be possible only if necessary to accomplish the Department's mission and would be subject to strict security requirements. Applicants who hold dual citizenship in the U.S. and another country will be considered on a case-by-case basis. All DOJ employees are subject to a residency requirement. Candidates must have lived in the United States for at least three of the past five years. The three-year period is cumulative, not necessarily consecutive. Federal or military employees, or dependents of federal or military employees serving overseas, are excepted from this requirement. This is a Department security requirement which is waived only for extreme circumstances and handled on a case-by-case basis.

Veterans:  There is no formal rating system for applying veterans' preference to attorney appointments in the excepted service; however, the Department of Justice considers veterans' preference eligibility as a positive factor in attorney hiring. Applicants eligible for veterans' preference must include that information in their cover letter or resume and attach supporting documentation (e.g., the DD 214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty and other supporting documentation) to their submissions. Although the "point" system is not used, per se, applicants eligible to claim 10-point preference must submit Standard Form (SF) 15, Application for 10-Point Veteran Preference, and submit the supporting documentation required for the specific type of preference claimed (visit the OPM website, www.opm.gov/forms/pdf_fill/SF15.pdf for a copy of SF 15, which lists the types of 10-point preferences and the required supporting document(s). Applicants should note that SF 15 requires supporting documentation associated with service- connected disabilities or receipt of nonservice-connected disability pensions to be dated 1991 or later except in the case of service members submitting official statements or retirement orders from a branch of the Armed Forces showing that his  or her retirement was due to a permanent service-connected disability or that he/she was transferred to the permanent disability retired list (the statement or retirement orders must indicate that the disability is 10% or more).

 

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This and other vacancy announcements can be found under Attorney Vacancies and Volunteer Legal Internships. The Department of Justice cannot control further dissemination and/or posting of information contained in this vacancy announcement. Such posting and/or dissemination is not an endorsement by the Department of the organization or group disseminating and/or posting the information.

Taking Aim

 

Navy Petty Officer 3rd Class Garry He aims his M2HB .50-caliber machine gun in a live-fire exercise aboard the amphibious transport dock ship USS San Antonio during operations in the Atlantic Ocean, April 27, 2021.

United States Attorney’s Office Announces 18th Annual Project Safe Neighborhoods Logo Contest Winners

Charleston, South Carolina --- Acting United States Attorney M. Rhett DeHart announced today the winners of the United States Attorney’s Office’s 18th Annual Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Logo Contest, which was open to all South Carolina grade school students.

The theme of this year’s contest was “Preventing Gun Violence in Our Schools.”  Judges sought logos that demonstrated a successful collaboration between schools, communities, and law enforcement to reflect (1) warning signs that students should be looking for related to gun violence; (2) resources to help students who have concerns about gun violence; and (3) general messages to prevent gun violence in South Carolina schools.

“Stopping gun violence, particularly in our schools, is imperative,” said Acting U.S. Attorney DeHart.  “This year’s contest is one way to enhance the necessary dialogues in our schools to end gun violence and ensure school safety.  The United States Attorney’s Office thanks all students, teachers, and schools that participated in the contest and congratulates this year’s winners.”

The overall winning logo will be used in publications distributed statewide and displayed on the United States Attorney’s Office website.  The winner from each grade division and overall winner are named below:

Winner 9th-12th grade Division/ OVERALL WINNER

Alyssa Earnhardt, C.A. Johnson High School

Columbia, SC

Winner 6th-8th grade Division

Jasmine Lucas, William J. Clark Middle School

Orangeburg, SC

Winner 3rd-5th grade Division

Sanjana Kumar, Fairfield Magnet School

Winnsboro, SC

Winner K-2nd grade Division

I’Yanna Bryant, Wilder’s Elementary School

Sumter, SC

The winning entries were chosen by a select group of young leaders at the South Carolina Department of Juvenile Justice who act as role models for the other youth throughout the entire department.  The South Carolina Law Enforcement Officers’ Association Foundation will provide $50.00 awards to each division winner; and the overall winner, Alyssa Earnhardt, a student at C. A. Johnson High School in Columbia, will receive an additional $50.00 award.  All students who participated will receive a Certificate of Appreciation for their submissions.

The annual logo contest is a long-running part of the district’s PSN program and an important prevention initiative that has proven to be an effective way to engage our students in meaningful conversation about preventing gun crimes amongst our young people and ensuring a safe learning atmosphere for our children.  PSN focuses on reducing violent crime in our communities through prevention, enforcement, and reentry initiatives.

View this year’s winning submissions and learn more about the contest at http://www.justice.gov/usao/sc/programs/logowinners.html.

Transnational Organized Cybercrime Liaison Prosecutor

 Criminal Division (CRM)

Office of Overseas Prosecutorial Development, Assistance and Training
Attorney
The Hague
Netherlands
21-CRM-DET-033
About the Office: 

Although this vacancy announcement expires on 5/28/2021, the announcement may be closed at any time if a selection is made. This assignment is for a period of 14 months, beginning on or about October 2021, with the possibility of extension, contingent on the availability of funding. Appointment to this position will be through a reimbursable detail. 

The mission of the Criminal Division's Office of Overseas Prosecutorial Development, Assistance and Training (OPDAT) is to develop and administer technical and developmental assistance designed to enhance the capabilities of foreign justice sector institutions and their law enforcement personnel. This assistance is administered in order to enable those institutions and their personnel to more effectively combat terrorism, transnational organized crime, corruption, financial crimes, and other types of crime in a manner consistent with the rule of law. The assistance is also administered to enable those institutions and their personnel to more effectively cooperate regionally and with the United States in combating such crime. https://www.justice.gov/criminal-opdat.

This position will also work closely with the Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section (CCIPS). CCIPS is responsible for implementing the Department's national strategies in combating computer and intellectual property crimes worldwide. CCIPS acts as a force multiplier in the domestic and international prevention, investigation, and prosecution of computer crimes and use of electronic evidence by working with other government agencies, the private sector, academic institutions, and foreign counterparts. Section attorneys work to improve the domestic and international infrastructure-legal, technological, and operational-to pursue cyber criminals most effectively. The Section's enforcement responsibilities against intellectual property crimes are similarly multi-faceted. Intellectual Property (IP) has become one of the principal U.S. economic engines, and the nation is a target of choice for thieves of material protected by copyright, trademark, or trade-secret designation. In pursuing all these goals, CCIPS attorneys train federal, state, and local law enforcement personnel; comment on and propose legislation; initiate and participate in international efforts to combat computer and intellectual property crime and provide case-based mentoring and litigation support to other prosecutors. In addition, CCIPS attorneys located in Washington, D.C. regularly run complex investigations, resolve unique legal and investigative issues raised by emerging computer and telecommunications technologies; and litigate cases.  

The U.S. Transnational and High-Tech Crime Global Law Enforcement Network (GLEN) program is the result of a partnership between the U.S. Department of State Bureau of International Narcotics Control and Law Enforcement Affairs, CCIPS and OPDAT. Currently, International Computer Hacking and Intellectual Property Advisors (ICHIPs) are posted to regional positions in Africa (Abuja, Nigeria and Addis Ababa, Ethiopia), Asia (Hong Kong S.A.R.; Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia; Bangkok, Thailand), Europe (Bucharest, Romania; Zagreb, Croatia; and The Hague, Netherlands), and the Western Hemisphere (Panama City, Panama and Sao Paulo, Brazil). Two subject-matter expert ICHIPs -- the ICHIP for Internet-based Fraud and Public Health and the ICHIP for Dark Web and Cryptocurrency -- as well as Department of Justice (DOJ) computer forensic analysts and law enforcement officials with intellectual property and cybercrime expertise also form part of the GLEN. 

The objective of the GLEN is to promote the rule of law and to protect Americans from criminal threats emanating from abroad by delivering targeted training to encourage both immediate improvements as well as long-term institutional change to combat computer and intellectual property crimes worldwide. This assistance includes training workshops, legislative review, case-based mentoring, skills-development, and promoting institutional reform such as the formation of specialized units to address these criminal threats.

Job Description: 

The Liaison Prosecutor will work with Eastern European country representatives at Eurojust and the European Cybercrime Centre to strengthen the ability of Eastern European countries to combat transnational organized cybercrime. During his or her tenure, the Liaison Prosecutor will provide assistance on a variety of criminal justice projects including: (1) training and skills development for prosecutors, police and judges, including through case-based mentoring on transnational organized cybercrime cases; (2) identify gaps in existing law, advise legislative bodies on enactment of effective legislation and amendment of existing laws to increase enforcement efficacy; and (3) build capacity within the law enforcement agencies to combat transnational organized cybercrime. During his or her tenure, the selected attorney will work closely with law enforcement and government officials, including prosecutors, judges, legislators, and others to develop and carry out the justice sector assistance program.  

Qualifications: 

Required: To qualify for this position, applicants must possess ALL of the requirements below:

  1. A J.D. degree, be duly licensed and authorized to practice as an attorney under the laws of any State, territory of the United States, or the District of Columbia, and be an active member of the bar in good standing. 
  2. Specific grade level requirements:
    1. GS-15:  At least four (4) years of post J.D. legal experience, to include four (4) years of prosecutorial experience in Article III courts or comparable state level courts.
    2. GS-14:  At least three (3) years of post J.D. legal experience, to include three (3) years of prosecutorial experience in Article III courts or comparable state level courts.

Applicants must have, or be able to obtain through their Component/Agency, and maintain a Top Secret security clearance.

Preferred: Applicants should have a thorough understanding and practical knowledge of Department of Justice and other U.S. Government approaches and policies involving transnational cyber-crimes. 

The successful applicant should also have:

  • Ability to function effectively in an international, multi-cultural environment;
  • Excellent interpersonal and management skills;
  • Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing;
  • Extensive cybercrime prosecution experience; and
  • Experience in bar activities, teaching, designing course curricula, and/or work with international development projects.
Salary: 
Under detail assignment, there is no change to the selectee’s base pay. If applicable, the selectee will also receive appropriate post and overseas salary differentials.
Travel: 
Travel to/from The Hague, Netherlands and within Eastern Europe will be required.
Application Process: 

Although this vacancy announcement expires on 5/28/2021, the announcement may be closed at any time if selections are made. The Application Package must be received by 11:59 PM, Eastern Time, on the closing date of this announcement.

All interested attorneys meeting these qualifications should submit a cover letter and resume to ichip-applicants@usdoj.gov

Applicants should familiarize themselves and comply with the relevant rules of professional conduct regarding any possible conflicts of interest in connection with their applications. In particular, please notify this Office if you currently represent clients or adjudicate matters in which this Office is involved and/or you have a family member who is representing clients or adjudicating matters in which this Office is involved so that we can evaluate any potential conflict of interest or disqualification issue that may need to be addressed under those circumstances.

Application Deadline: 
Friday, May 28, 2021
Relocation Expenses: 
Relocation expenses are authorized. This is an accompanied position.
Number of Positions: 
1
Updated April 30, 2021

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Department Policies

Equal Employment Opportunity:  The U.S. Department of Justice is an Equal Opportunity/Reasonable Accommodation Employer.  Except where otherwise provided by law, there will be no discrimination because of color, race, religion, national origin, political affiliation, marital status, disability (physical or mental), age, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, protected genetic information, pregnancy, status as a parent, or any other nonmerit-based factor.  The Department of Justice welcomes and encourages applications from persons with physical and mental disabilities. The Department is firmly committed to satisfying its affirmative obligations under the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, to ensure that persons with disabilities have every opportunity to be hired and advanced on the basis of merit within the Department of Justice. For more information, please review our full EEO Statement.

Reasonable Accommodations:  This agency provides reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities where appropriate. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, please notify the agency.  Determinations on requests for reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis.

Outreach and Recruitment for Qualified Applicants with Disabilities:  The Department encourages qualified applicants with disabilities, including individuals with targeted/severe disabilities to apply in response to posted vacancy announcements.  Qualified applicants with targeted/severe disabilities may be eligible for direct hire, non-competitive appointment under Schedule A (5 C.F.R. § 213.3102(u)) hiring authority.  Individuals with disabilities are encouraged to contact one of the Department’s Disability Points of Contact (DPOC) to express an interest in being considered for a position. See list of DPOCs.   

Suitability and Citizenship:  It is the policy of the Department to achieve a drug-free workplace and persons selected for employment will be required to pass a drug test which screens for illegal drug use prior to final appointment.  Employment is also contingent upon the completion and satisfactory adjudication of a background investigation. Congress generally prohibits agencies from employing non-citizens within the United States, except for a few narrow exceptions as set forth in the annual Appropriations Act (see, https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/working-in-government/non-citizens/). Pursuant to DOJ component policies, only U.S. citizens are eligible for employment with the Executive Office for Immigration Review, U.S. Trustee’s Offices, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Unless otherwise indicated in a particular job advertisement, qualifying non-U.S. citizens meeting immigration and appropriations law criteria may apply for employment with other DOJ organizations. However, please be advised that the appointment of non-U.S. citizens is extremely rare; such appointments would be possible only if necessary to accomplish the Department's mission and would be subject to strict security requirements. Applicants who hold dual citizenship in the U.S. and another country will be considered on a case-by-case basis. All DOJ employees are subject to a residency requirement. Candidates must have lived in the United States for at least three of the past five years. The three-year period is cumulative, not necessarily consecutive. Federal or military employees, or dependents of federal or military employees serving overseas, are excepted from this requirement. This is a Department security requirement which is waived only for extreme circumstances and handled on a case-by-case basis.

Veterans:  There is no formal rating system for applying veterans' preference to attorney appointments in the excepted service; however, the Department of Justice considers veterans' preference eligibility as a positive factor in attorney hiring. Applicants eligible for veterans' preference must include that information in their cover letter or resume and attach supporting documentation (e.g., the DD 214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty and other supporting documentation) to their submissions. Although the "point" system is not used, per se, applicants eligible to claim 10-point preference must submit Standard Form (SF) 15, Application for 10-Point Veteran Preference, and submit the supporting documentation required for the specific type of preference claimed (visit the OPM website, www.opm.gov/forms/pdf_fill/SF15.pdf for a copy of SF 15, which lists the types of 10-point preferences and the required supporting document(s). Applicants should note that SF 15 requires supporting documentation associated with service- connected disabilities or receipt of nonservice-connected disability pensions to be dated 1991 or later except in the case of service members submitting official statements or retirement orders from a branch of the Armed Forces showing that his  or her retirement was due to a permanent service-connected disability or that he/she was transferred to the permanent disability retired list (the statement or retirement orders must indicate that the disability is 10% or more).

 

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This and other vacancy announcements can be found under Attorney Vacancies and Volunteer Legal Internships. The Department of Justice cannot control further dissemination and/or posting of information contained in this vacancy announcement. Such posting and/or dissemination is not an endorsement by the Department of the organization or group disseminating and/or posting the information.

Thursday, April 29, 2021

Former West Virginia Law Enforcement Officer Charged with Federal Civil Rights Offense

 A federal grand jury in West Virginia returned an indictment Tuesday charging a former West Virginia police officer with a civil rights offense against an arrestee.

According to court documents, Everett Maynard, 44, was indicted Tuesday by a federal grand jury in Charleston for using excessive force against an arrestee while Maynard was a police officer with the Logan, West Virginia, Police Department.

The indictment charges Maynard with one count of deprivation of rights under color of law. The indictment alleges that Maynard used unreasonable force when he assaulted arrestee R.W., resulting in bodily injury to R.W.

The count carries a maximum penalty of 10 years of imprisonment.  

Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Pamela S. Karlan of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division; Acting U.S. Attorney Lisa G. Johnston for the Southern District of West Virginia; and Acting Special Agent in Charge Carlton Peeples of the FBI Pittsburgh Field Office made the announcement.

This case was investigated by the Charleston Resident Agency of the FBI Pittsburgh Field Office with the support of the West Virginia State Police and is being prosecuted by Trial Attorney Kathryn E. Gilbert of the Civil Rights Division and Assistant U.S. Attorney Nowles Heinrich.

An indictment is merely an allegation and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

Trial Attorney Civil Rights Division (CRT)

Immigrant and Employee Rights Section
Attorney
Washington, DC 20530
United States
21-ATT-IER-009 (DMT)
About the Office: 

The Civil Rights Division (Division) of the Department of Justice, created by the enactment of the Civil Rights Act of 1957, works to uphold the civil and constitutional rights of all Americans, particularly some of the most vulnerable members of our society. The Division enforces federal statutes prohibiting discrimination on the basis of race, color, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, and gender identity), disability, religion, familial status, national origin, and citizenship status.

The Immigrant and Employee Rights Section (IER), enforces the anti-discrimination provision of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA), 8 U.S.C. § 1324b. Regulations for this law are found at 28 C.F.R. Part 44.

This federal law prohibits: 1) citizenship status discrimination in hiring, firing, or recruitment or referral for a fee, 2) national origin discrimination in hiring, firing, or recruitment or referral for a fee, 3) unfair documentary practices during the employment eligibility verification process (generally,, Form I-9 and E-Verify), and 4) retaliation or intimidation.

Our office places a high value on diversity of experiences and perspectives and encourages applications from all qualified individuals from all ethnic and racial backgrounds, veterans, LGBT individuals, and persons with disabilities.
Job Description: 

The Immigrant and Employee Rights Section (IER) is seeking one or more experienced attorneys for the position of Trial Attorney. The attorney(s) selected for this position will be dedicated to the Section's work enforcing the anti-discrimination provision of the Immigration and Nationality Act.

IER Trial Attorneys handle an active docket of investigations and litigation focused on enforcing the anti-discrimination provision of the Immigration and Nationality Act. Enforcement responsibilities include:

  • Developing and conducting investigations involving potential violations of this law, including reviewing incoming charges and referrals from agencies, identifying and interviewing witnesses, and collecting documentary evidence;
  • Conducting legal and factual research and analysis;
  • Preparing written memoranda recommending further investigation and/or enforcement;
  • Litigating cases, including preparing and responding to discovery requests, conducting document review, reviewing and analyzing data, working with expert witnesses, preparing witnesses for and conducting depositions, and drafting court filings;
  • Representing IER at argument and trial before an administrative law judge;
  • Representing the Justice Department in district court for subpoena enforcement litigation; and
  • Preparing for and participating in settlement negotiations and mediation on behalf of the Department, including drafting settlement proposals.

In addition, Trial Attorneys may conduct policy work, including working with other federal agencies on areas of overlapping interest; drafting legislation, regulations, and agency guidance; and reviewing and preparing comments on draft legislation, regulations, and agency guidance. Trial attorneys will also conduct outreach, including participating in outreach presentations and providing technical assistance in response to inquiries from public and private stakeholders.

The complexity of the matters assigned and the level of supervision required vary depending upon a Trial Attorney's years of specialized experience.

Qualifications: 

Required Qualifications:

Applicants must possess a J.D. from an American Bar Association accredited law school, be an active member of the bar in good standing (any jurisdiction), and possess the minimum years of post-professional law degree experience commensurate to the grade level of eligibility, as shown below. Applicants also must have strong, demonstrated qualifications in the following areas: academic achievement; substantive knowledge and expertise in the laws, rules, and regulations applicable to the work of the section or substantially similar laws, rules, and regulations; written and oral communication skills; the ability to analyze complex issues; skill and experience working collaboratively and productively with others; organizational skills; professional judgment; initiative; and the ability to excel in a fast-paced, demanding environment. In addition, applicants must have outstanding professional references.

Preferred Qualifications:

The following demonstrated qualifications are preferred but not required: substantive knowledge and expertise in immigration and/or employment law including (1) experience investigating allegations of employment discrimination, including interviewing witnesses, reviewing documents and reviewing applicable case law to assess the merits of a case; (2) experience litigating employment discrimination cases, including handling discovery, litigation strategy, motions practice and trial preparation; (3) experience negotiating settlements in employment discrimination cases; (4) experience serving as the lead attorney in federal court employment discrimination cases; (5) experience litigating pattern or practice and/or testing cases; (6) experience with immigration law and/or immigration policy; (7) experience developing and/or commenting on draft legislation, regulations, and agency guidance; and (8) experience giving presentations to a variety of audiences. Judicial clerkships (especially in federal court), law review, moot court, clinical experience, and skill and experience working cooperatively and productively with a range of people, such as charging parties, witnesses, respondents, disadvantaged or disenfranchised groups, opposing counsel, judicial or administrative officials, advocacy groups, law enforcement personnel, and the staff of other federal or state governmental agencies, are also preferred.

Possessing the minimum post law degree legal experience does not guarantee the applicant will be selected at that grade level.

  • GS-13 - minimum 1.5 years post-JD legal experience
  • GS-14 - minimum 2.5 years post-JD legal experience
  • GS-15 - minimum 4 years post-JD legal experience
Salary: 
$103,690.00 to $172,500.00 Per Year
Travel: 
You may be expected to travel for this position.
Application Process: 

The complete Application Package must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. (Eastern Time Zone) on Wednesday, May 19, 2021.

To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package, which includes:

1. Cover Letter

2. Résumé

3. A complete Occupational Questionnaire

4. Writing sample of no more than ten pages (a brief or comparable analytic legal exposition that is your work product)

5. Veterans' Preference Documentation, if applicable

6. Sch A documentation, if applicable

To apply for this position, see page at https://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/599635900

Applicants should familiarize themselves and comply with the relevant rules of professional conduct regarding any possible conflicts of interest in connection with their applications. In particular, please notify this Office if you currently represent clients or adjudicate matters in which this Office is involved and/or you have a family member who is representing clients or adjudicating matters in which this Office is involved so that we can evaluate any potential conflict of interest or disqualification issue that may need to be addressed under those circumstances.

Application Deadline: 
Wednesday, May 19, 2021
Relocation Expenses: 
Not Authorized
Number of Positions: 
1 Full-Time Excepted Service Position
Updated April 29, 2021

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Department Policies

Equal Employment Opportunity:  The U.S. Department of Justice is an Equal Opportunity/Reasonable Accommodation Employer.  Except where otherwise provided by law, there will be no discrimination because of color, race, religion, national origin, political affiliation, marital status, disability (physical or mental), age, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, protected genetic information, pregnancy, status as a parent, or any other nonmerit-based factor.  The Department of Justice welcomes and encourages applications from persons with physical and mental disabilities. The Department is firmly committed to satisfying its affirmative obligations under the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, to ensure that persons with disabilities have every opportunity to be hired and advanced on the basis of merit within the Department of Justice. For more information, please review our full EEO Statement.

Reasonable Accommodations:  This agency provides reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities where appropriate. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, please notify the agency.  Determinations on requests for reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis.

Outreach and Recruitment for Qualified Applicants with Disabilities:  The Department encourages qualified applicants with disabilities, including individuals with targeted/severe disabilities to apply in response to posted vacancy announcements.  Qualified applicants with targeted/severe disabilities may be eligible for direct hire, non-competitive appointment under Schedule A (5 C.F.R. § 213.3102(u)) hiring authority.  Individuals with disabilities are encouraged to contact one of the Department’s Disability Points of Contact (DPOC) to express an interest in being considered for a position. See list of DPOCs.   

Suitability and Citizenship:  It is the policy of the Department to achieve a drug-free workplace and persons selected for employment will be required to pass a drug test which screens for illegal drug use prior to final appointment.  Employment is also contingent upon the completion and satisfactory adjudication of a background investigation. Congress generally prohibits agencies from employing non-citizens within the United States, except for a few narrow exceptions as set forth in the annual Appropriations Act (see, https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/working-in-government/non-citizens/). Pursuant to DOJ component policies, only U.S. citizens are eligible for employment with the Executive Office for Immigration Review, U.S. Trustee’s Offices, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Unless otherwise indicated in a particular job advertisement, qualifying non-U.S. citizens meeting immigration and appropriations law criteria may apply for employment with other DOJ organizations. However, please be advised that the appointment of non-U.S. citizens is extremely rare; such appointments would be possible only if necessary to accomplish the Department's mission and would be subject to strict security requirements. Applicants who hold dual citizenship in the U.S. and another country will be considered on a case-by-case basis. All DOJ employees are subject to a residency requirement. Candidates must have lived in the United States for at least three of the past five years. The three-year period is cumulative, not necessarily consecutive. Federal or military employees, or dependents of federal or military employees serving overseas, are excepted from this requirement. This is a Department security requirement which is waived only for extreme circumstances and handled on a case-by-case basis.

Veterans:  There is no formal rating system for applying veterans' preference to attorney appointments in the excepted service; however, the Department of Justice considers veterans' preference eligibility as a positive factor in attorney hiring. Applicants eligible for veterans' preference must include that information in their cover letter or resume and attach supporting documentation (e.g., the DD 214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty and other supporting documentation) to their submissions. Although the "point" system is not used, per se, applicants eligible to claim 10-point preference must submit Standard Form (SF) 15, Application for 10-Point Veteran Preference, and submit the supporting documentation required for the specific type of preference claimed (visit the OPM website, www.opm.gov/forms/pdf_fill/SF15.pdf for a copy of SF 15, which lists the types of 10-point preferences and the required supporting document(s). Applicants should note that SF 15 requires supporting documentation associated with service- connected disabilities or receipt of nonservice-connected disability pensions to be dated 1991 or later except in the case of service members submitting official statements or retirement orders from a branch of the Armed Forces showing that his  or her retirement was due to a permanent service-connected disability or that he/she was transferred to the permanent disability retired list (the statement or retirement orders must indicate that the disability is 10% or more).

 

*         *         *

 

This and other vacancy announcements can be found under Attorney Vacancies and Volunteer Legal Internships. The Department of Justice cannot control further dissemination and/or posting of information contained in this vacancy announcement. Such posting and/or dissemination is not an endorsement by the Department of the organization or group disseminating and/or posting the information.

Wednesday, April 28, 2021

Seattle Man Sentenced For Multi-State Identity Theft Crime Spree

 LAS VEGAS, Nev. – A Seattle man was sentenced today to 4 years and eight months in federal prison for stealing victims’ identities, using those identities to steal vehicles from car dealerships in several states, and then selling these vehicles to unwitting buyers, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Christopher Chiou for the District of Nevada and Special Agent in Charge Aaron C. Rouse for the FBI.

According to court documents, from February 2016 to March 2016, Justin Lee Tripp, 48, and others conspired to use personal identities without authorization to purchase more than $230,980 of vehicles in Washington, Oregon, California, and Nevada. As part of the scheme, Tripp and a co-conspirator obtained other peoples’ personal information, produced false identification cards that included Tripp’s and the co-conspirator’s photographs, and used fraudulent lines of credit to purchase electronics and vehicles – including a Ford F350 pickup truck, a 5th Wheel RV trailer; and a Dodge Ram pickup truck.

In March 2016, Tripp attempted to buy two jet skis and a trailer at a Las Vegas dealership using a counterfeit driver’s license, fraudulent credit card, and a fraudulent money order. Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department officers attempted to arrest Tripp who resisted multiple commands, assaulted the officers, and attempted to flee. After a struggle, officers arrested Tripp. At the time of his arrest, Tripp possessed a forged driver’s license and two fraudulent credit cards. During a search of the stolen truck Tripp drove to the Las Vegas dealership, officers found two California license plates that were reported stolen, and a loaded 9mm semi-automatic pistol that was reported stolen in Washington. Officers also searched a stolen 5th Wheel RV trailer and found methamphetamine, multiple license plates, a backpack containing burglary tools, and a forgery lab used to produce counterfeit documents that were used to further the fraud scheme.

At the time of the crime spree, Tripp was a convicted felon serving a federal term of supervised release in the Western District of Washington.

Tripp pleaded guilty in September 2020, to one count of conspiracy to commit bank fraud and one count of aggravated identity theft. In addition to the prison term, U.S. District Judge Andrew P. Gordon sentenced Tripp to three years of supervised release.

The case was investigated by the FBI and Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kimberly Frayn prosecuted the case.

Former Austin Company CFO’s Ex-Husband Headed to Federal Prison and Ordered to Pay Over $20M in Restitution for Embezzlement Scheme

 A federal judge sentenced Lakeway resident 49-year-old Robert “Scott” Villarreal to 87 months of imprisonment for a scheme to embezzle millions of dollars from a company headquartered in Austin where his ex-wife served as Chief Financial Officer.

During sentencing yesterday in Austin, U.S. District Judge Robert Pitman also ordered the defendant to pay $15,941,452.87 in restitution to Richardson Enterprises, Ltd. (Richardson), which owns and operates automobile dealerships in Arizona, New Mexico and Texas, and $4,243,649 in restitution to the IRS. The defendant and his ex-wife used the embezzled funds to support a lavish lifestyle.

According to court records, an investigation conducted by the FBI and IRS Criminal Investigation (IRS CI) revealed that in 2009, Tamra Maurine Villarreal (aka Tamra Creighton Villarreal) and Scott Villarreal began stealing money from the company and using it for their personal benefit even though Tamra was paid an annual salary in excess of $400,000.  The Villarreals used the stolen money to purchase a $2.7 million residence featured in the 2008 Parade of Homes. They also used the fraudulently obtained funds to pay for travel, hotels, restaurant tabs, vehicles, lavish jewelry, rare American coins from the 1800’s, gold bars, art, a collection of designer handbags and clothes valued at hundreds of thousands of dollars along with firearms and illegal controlled substances.  During a four-day period from July 30, 2016 to August 2, 2016, Scott and Tamra Villarreal charged a total of $72,578.27 for three meals at a Houston restaurant on a company credit card. This amount was 13.6% of their reported income for 2016.

"Thanks to the efforts of the FBI and IRS CI, these defendants will no longer live an extravagant lifestyle paid for by their illegal fleecing of innocent victims. Instead, they will be held accountable for their crimes - by serving prison time and paying more than $20 million in restitution," said U.S. Attorney Hoff.

“Scott Villarreal’s life of luxury and extravagance, financed by shamelessly stealing millions of dollars from a business, has now come to an end, thanks to the hard work of the FBI, IRS CI and the U.S. Attorney’s Office,” said FBI Special Agent in Charge Christopher Combs, San Antonio Division. “While serving his lengthy prison sentence, the defendant will have plenty of time to contemplate the reality of his new life as a convicted felon.”

In April 2018, law enforcement executed a search warrant on the Lakeway residence and recovered many valuables purchased by the Villarreals during the scheme.

On August 18, 2020, Scott Villarreal pleaded guilty to a three-count Information charging him with money laundering, possession with the intent to distribute cocaine and making and subscribing to a false income tax return. By pleading guilty, Villarreal admitted that from 2009 to January 2018, he schemed to embezzle funds from Richardson bank accounts and used that money for personal enrichment. Specifically, Villarreal helped to divert monies from Richardson bank accounts to those belonging to him and his ex-wife.

Villarreal also admitted that he subscribed to a false 2013 federal income tax return wherein he and his spouse claimed $433,747 in earnings when in truth their income that year far exceeded that amount when the proceeds received from their fraud scheme were included.

“No matter what the source of income, all income is taxable, even embezzled income,” said IRS Criminal Investigation Special Agent in Charge Richard D. Goss, Houston Field Office.  “The prosecution of individuals who intentionally conceal their illegally obtained income and evade Federal income taxes, such as Mr. Villareal has done, is a vital element of IRS’ enforcement strategy.”

In December 2020, Judge Pitman sentenced Tamra Villarreal to 63 months imprisonment for her role in the same scheme as well as equal responsibility for $15,941,452.87 in restitution to the Richardson family and $4,243,649 in restitution to the IRS.

The FBI and IRS Criminal Investigation jointly investigated this case.  Assistant U.S. Attorneys Michelle Fernald and Robert Almonte II prosecuted this case.

Congolese Man Sentenced to Over Three Years in Prison in Second Federal Fraud Case

 PORTLAND, Maine:  A citizen of the Democratic Republic of the Congo was sentenced today in federal court for conspiring to commit mail fraud, Acting U.S. Attorney Donald E. Clark announced.

U.S. District Judge D. Brock Hornby sentenced Mukonkole Huge Kifwa, aka Adrien Ndowa, 36, to 40 months in prison, five years of supervised release and restitution in the amount of $247,583. Kifwa pleaded guilty on November 10, 2020. 

According to court documents, from about March 2015 until November 2016, Kifwa participated in a conspiracy to obtain money through a fraudulent credit card scheme using an international mail carrier. Kifwa and his co-conspirators obtained unauthorized access to bank accounts belonging to unwitting individuals in the United Kingdom, with cash advances using fraudulent credit cards. 

The Scarborough Police Department; the U.S. Department of State, Diplomatic Security Service; Homeland Security Investigations; and the City of London (U.K.) Police investigated the case.

In January 2016, Kifwa, formerly of South Portland, was convicted following a jury trial of federal charges involving visa fraud, bank fraud and firearms. Kifwa was sentenced in that case to 46 months imprisonment and payment of approximately $15,000 in restitution.

Sioux Falls Man Sentenced for Methamphetamine Trafficking

 Acting United States Attorney Dennis Holmes announced that a Sioux Falls, South Dakota, man convicted of Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance was sentenced on April 26, 2021, by U.S. District Judge Karen E. Schreier.

Ryan James Sandberg, age 19, was sentenced to 51 months in federal prison, followed by two years of supervised release, and a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $100.

Sandberg was indicted by a federal grand jury on September 1, 2020.  He pled guilty on February 10, 2021.

The conviction stemmed from incidents beginning on an unknown date and continuing until on or about September 1, 2020, when Sandberg knowingly and intentionally combined, conspired, confederated, and agreed with others to distribute a mixture and substance containing 500 grams or more of methamphetamine.

Sandberg voluntarily and intentionally joined in the agreement to distribute methamphetamine.  Sandberg also knew the purpose of the agreement.  Sandberg obtained over 500 grams of methamphetamine from a co-conspirator and re-distributed to other co-conspirators in the District of South Dakota and elsewhere.  Sandberg knew the methamphetamine would then be distributed to drug customers.  Methamphetamine is a Schedule II controlled substance.

This case was investigated by the Sioux Falls Area Drug Task Force, the Department of Homeland Security, and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer D. Mammenga prosecuted the case.

Sandberg was immediately turned over to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.

Rapid City Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Possession of Child Pornography

 Acting United States Attorney Dennis R. Holmes announced that a Rapid City, South Dakota, man convicted of Possession of Child Pornography was sentenced on April 14, 2021, by Judge Jeffrey L. Viken, U.S. District Court.

Bruce Kline, age 52, was sentenced to 10 years in federal prison, followed by a lifetime supervised release, and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund and $13,000 in restitution.  Kline will also be required to register as a sex offender under the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act.

The conviction stems from Kline failing a parole-ordered polygraph in October 2019.  Kline was convicted in state court in 2011 for child pornography charges and remained on parole.  Forensic examination of Kline’s devices thereafter revealed thousands of images of child pornography downloaded by Kline.

The investigation was conducted by the South Dakota Department of Corrections, South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation, Department of Homeland Security, Rapid City Police Department, and the Pennington County Sheriff’s office.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah B. Collins prosecuted the case.

Kline was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.

Belle Fourche Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Possession of Child Pornography

 Acting United States Attorney Dennis R. Holmes announced that a Belle Fourche, South Dakota, man convicted of Possession of Child Pornography with a Prior Child Pornography Conviction was sentenced on April 15, 2021, by Judge Jeffrey L. Viken, U.S. District Court.

Karl Koster, age 39, was sentenced to 10 years in federal prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.  Koster will also be required to register as a sex offender under the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act.

The conviction stems from South Dakota Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force receiving two Cybertips from the National Center of Missing and Exploited Children identifying the suspect user as Koster.  Koster was previously convicted in Pennington County, South Dakota, for Make/Sale/Possess Child Pornography and was on parole at the time of his arrest.  Forensic examination of Koster’s devices revealed multiple images of child pornography, age-difficult images and internet searches associated with obtaining child pornography.

The investigation was conducted by the South Dakota Department of Corrections, South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation, Department of Homeland Security, Rapid City Police Department, and the Pennington County Sheriff’s office.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah B. Collins prosecuted the case.

Koster was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.

Sioux Falls Man Sentenced for Transportation of Child Pornography

 Acting United States Attorney Dennis R. Holmes announced that a Sioux Falls, South Dakota, man convicted of Transportation of Child Pornography was sentenced on April 26, 2021, by U.S. District Judge Karen E. Schreier.

Joshua Lynn Lugert, age 38, was sentenced to 78 months in federal prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release, and a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $100.

Lugert was indicted by a federal grand jury on September 1, 2020.  He pled guilty on February 10, 2021.

The conviction stemmed from incidents between March 12, 2019, and March 6, 2020.  Lugert searched the internet for child pornography and collected thousands of files using his cell phone and tablet. 

This case was investigated by the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, the South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation, and the Department of Homeland Security.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffrey C. Clapper prosecuted the case.

Lugert was immediately turned over to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.

Federal Employee Indicted by Federal Grand Jury on Charges of Kidnapping His Wife in 2016 in Abduction that Resulted in Her Death

             SANTA ANA, California – A federal grand jury today returned an indictment that charges a Covina man with kidnapping his wife in 2016 in an incident that resulted in her death.

            Eddy Reyes, 35, who lived with his wife in Santa Ana when she was last seen, was arrested in this case on April 15 pursuant to a criminal complaint that also charged him with kidnapping.

            Reyes, an employee of U.S. Customs and Border Protection who has been held without bond since his arrest, is scheduled to be arraigned on the indictment on May 3 in United States District Court in Santa Ana.

            The indictment alleges that Reyes kidnapped his wife, 21-year-old Claudia Sanchez Reyes, on May 6, 2016.

            According to court documents, Claudia Reyes was last seen leaving work on the night of May 6, 2016. After Reyes filed a missing person report four days later, the Santa Ana Police Department conducted an investigation that revealed co-workers heard Claudia Reyes fighting with her husband on May 6 soon before he picked her up in a rented SUV, according to the affidavit in support of the criminal complaint, which notes detectives later found a drop of Claudia Reyes’ blood in that vehicle and a cadaver dog indicated that a dead body had been in the SUV.

            The affidavit also documents a history of alleged domestic abuse by Reyes against his wife, including several threats to kill her, as well as temporary restraining orders Claudia Reyes obtained against her husband in 2014 and 2016.

            An indictment contains allegations that a defendant has committed a crime. Every defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty in court.

            If he were to be convicted of the charge of kidnapping resulting in death, Reyes would face potential sentences of the death penalty or life in federal prison without parole.

            The investigation in this matter is being conducted by the Orange County Violent Gang Task Force, which is comprised of several federal, state and local agencies.

            Assistant United States Attorneys Gregory W. Staples and Daniel H. Ahn of the Santa Ana Branch Office are prosecuting this case.

Virginia Attorney Charged With Sex Trafficking Minors and Production of Child Pornography

 ALEXANDRIA, Va. – A federal grand jury returned an indictment today charging an Arlington man with sex trafficking of minors, production of child pornography, and other commercial sexual exploitation offenses involving young adults.

“The defendant allegedly used his money and power to sexually exploit minors,” said Raj Parekh, Acting U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia. “We remain steadfast in our commitment to holding accountable those who prey on and victimize children, and to seeking justice for society’s most vulnerable members.”

As alleged in court documents, Matthew Erausquin, 46, was a frequent commercial sex customer of six underage girls and three other young adults from June 2017 through at least August 2020. Erausquin met some of the girls on a “sugar daddy” website and a dating app, and in at least one instance pretended to be an 18 or 19-year-old teenager. Erausquin lured the girls into commercial sex arrangements, paying the girls between $500 to $800 each per sexual encounter and offering to pay at least $1,000 for threesome sexual activity. In addition to these payments, Erausquin gave the girls marijuana and expensive gifts, such as Tiffany’s purses.

As alleged in court documents, Erausquin secretly recorded some of the underage girls while he engaged in sexual activity with them. He also continued to engage in commercial sex with some of the girls after they turned 18 years old. After one victim moved out of state, he flew her back to Virginia for the holidays and paid her for sex.

Erausquin is charged with six counts of sex trafficking of minors, one count of production of child pornography, one count of transporting a person across state lines for purposes of prostitution, and three counts of coercion and enticement to travel in interstate commerce for prostitution. If convicted, Erausquin faces a mandatory minimum sentence of fifteen years in prison and a maximum penalty of life. Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after taking into account the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

Raj Parekh, Acting U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia; Albert Murray III, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Washington Field Office Criminal Division; and David M. Rohrer, Fairfax County Interim Chief of Police and Deputy County Executive for Public Safety, made the announcement.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Maureen C. Cain and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Whitney Kramer are prosecuting the case.

This case was investigated by the FBI Washington Field Office’s Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force. The task force is composed of FBI agents, along with other federal agents and detectives from Northern Virginia and the District of Columbia. The task force is charged with investigating and bringing federal charges against individuals engaged in the exploitation of children and those engaged in human trafficking. Significant assistance in this matter was provided by the Fairfax County Police Department.

A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 1:21-cr-49.

An indictment is merely an accusation. The defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.

Fulton County Felon Admits to Unlawfully Possessing Firearms

 ALBANY, NEW YORK – Robert H. Stone, age 53, of Mayfield, New York, pled guilty today to unlawfully possessing three firearms as a felon and to possessing and intending to sell marijuana.

The announcement was made by Acting United States Attorney Antoinette T. Bacon; John B. DeVito, Special Agent in Charge of the New York Field Division of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF); and New York State Police Acting Superintendent Kevin P. Bruen.

Stone, who has prior felony convictions for drug and weapons offenses, admitted that in October 2020, he possessed two shotguns and a rifle at his residence in Gloversville, and 3.8 kilograms of marijuana and 1,395 rounds of pistol, rifle and shotgun ammunition on his 46-acre property in Mayfield, New York.

Stone faces up to 15 years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, and a term of post-imprisonment supervised release of between 2 years and life, when he is sentenced on August 25, 2021 by Senior United States District Judge Lawrence E. Kahn.  A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the particular statute the defendant is charged with violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, and other factors.

This case was investigated by ATF and the New York State Police, and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Emmet O’Hanlon.

Ithaca-Area Man Arrested on Child Pornography Charges

ITHACA, NEW YORK – Randolph Bullock, 64, of Dryden, New York, was arrested today on a complaint charging him with possession of child pornography, announced Acting United States Attorney Antoinette T. Bacon and Thomas Relford, Special Agent in Charge of the Albany Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).

The criminal complaint alleges that Bullock possessed images of child pornography on his desktop computer at his former place of employment. 

The charge against Bullock carries a sentence of up to ten years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, a term of supervised release of at least 5 years and up to life, and registration as a sex offender.  The defendant’s sentence is imposed by a Judge based on the particular statute the defendant is charged with violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, and other factors.

Bullock appeared before United States Magistrate Judge Thérèse Wiley Dancks for an initial appearance today and was detained pending a detention hearing scheduled for May 3, 2021. The charge in the complaint is merely an accusation.  The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.  

This case is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation Mid-State Child Exploitation Task Force, comprised of FBI Special Agents and Investigators of the New York State Police Bureau of Criminal Investigations (BCI), with assistance from the Tompkins County Sheriff’s Department and Village of Dryden Police Department.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Kristen Grabowski.

Members of the public who have information regarding Bullock are asked to call the Federal Bureau of Investigation at (607) 274-5050. 

This case is prosecuted as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative designed to protect children from online exploitation and abuse.  Led by the United States Attorney’s offices, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as identify and rescue victims.  For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc/

 

Aurora Man Sentenced to 10.5 Years in Federal Prison for Drug Trafficking

 

DENVER – The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Colorado announces that Eber Uriel Perez-Ramirez, age 29, of Aurora, CO, was sentenced to 10.5 years in federal prison following his prior guilty plea to conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute controlled substances, in violation of 21 U.S.C. § 846.

According to the plea agreement and court documents, the defendant acted as a lieutenant in a drug trafficking organization from October of 2019 until February 12, 2020, when he was arrested by agents working with the Federal Bureau of Investigation assigned to the Denver OCDETF Strike Force.  The drug trafficking organization brought to Colorado large quantities of illegal drugs from Mexico, including methamphetamine, heroin, cocaine, and fentanyl.  The organization employed a network of interstate load runners, local couriers, multi-pound drug customers, and lieutenants, including the defendant, to coordinate its activities.  

On three occasions between October 15, 2019 and December 5, 2019, the defendant delivered pound quantities of methamphetamine to a confidential informant working with the FBI.  The defendant also monitored the interstate transportation of a load run of narcotics between October 21 through October 23, 2019.  Specifically, he delivered a real-time report to the organization concerning Utah law enforcement actions regarding the load vehicle.  Ultimately, the load — 53 pounds of methamphetamine — was transferred to another vehicle, which was stopped by the Colorado State Patrol in Colorado. 

Additionally, on January 22, 2020, the defendant sought to pick up a package containing more than five kilograms of methamphetamine that was being held at a leasing office in Denver, Colorado.  The FBI seized the package before the defendant was able to retrieve it.

“The U.S. Attorney’s Office remains committed to making communities safer by prosecuting members of drug trafficking organizations,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Matt Kirsch.  “Together with our law enforcement partners, we are working to disrupt these organizations by making drug traffickers face significant jail time.”

“Friday’s sentencing of Perez-Ramirez is a direct result of the dedication and collaboration by FBI Denver and our partners to combat drug trafficking organizations who distribute methamphetamine, cocaine, heroin and fentanyl in our communities. The Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) Strike Force will aggressively investigate individuals and groups who further the scourge of drugs in our community,” said FBI Denver Special Agent in Charge Michael Schneider. “FBI Denver would like to extend our appreciation to the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office, DEA, HSI, ICE ERO, IRS and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for sharing their resources and expertise to fight dangerous drug trafficking organizations and bringing them to justice.”

“HSI working with the OCDETF task force helped disrupt a transnational drug trafficking organization with direct ties to a Mexican cartel that sought to bring illegal drugs into Colorado,” said Steven Cagen, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations Denver. “Strong partnerships among federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies are critical to identifying and dismantling criminal enterprises that profit from illicit drugs. We’re grateful to the United States Attorney’s Office for ensuring Perez-Ramirez faced justice.”

“This sentencing is another step toward a safer community.  Not only is Perez-Ramirez going to prison for his crimes but the government seized a significant amount of narcotics and kept them off the streets of Colorado,” said IRS-CI Special Agent in Charge Andy Tsui.  “IRS Criminal Investigation will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to stop the flow of illegal narcotics and bring these drug traffickers to justice.”

United States District Court Judge Raymond Moore sentenced Perez-Ramirez on April 23, 2021.

Agents and deputies assigned to the Strike Force from the FBI, ICE ERO, HSI, IRS, and the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office conducted the investigation and were assisted by officers and deputies from the Colorado State Patrol and the Arapahoe County Sheriff’s Office.  Assistant United States Attorney Cyrus Chung handled the prosecution of the case.

This prosecution is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) investigation.  OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.